Lighthouse! Ayahuasca Retreat
Lighthouse Team
Joshua ( Owner )
Joshua founded the retreat with a simple vision: to create a place where people from around the world can experience the healing traditions of the Amazon in an environment rooted in safety, authenticity, and genuine care.
As the heart of our team, Joshua works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure every guest feels welcomed, supported, and cared for throughout their stay. From coordinating the retreat experience to lending a helping hand whenever it's needed, he is deeply committed to making each guest's journey as comfortable, meaningful, and transformative as possible.
Joshua believes that healing begins with trust and human connection. Whether you're sharing a conversation over a meal, asking questions about the retreat, or simply seeking guidance, he is always happy to listen, offer support, and help in any way he can.
His kindness, dedication, and unwavering commitment to every guest have helped create the warm, family-like atmosphere that defines our retreat, making it a place where visitors feel not only welcomed, but truly at home.
Jino ( Manager )
Jino is one of those people who keeps everything running smoothly behind the scenes while always making time for our guests. Whether coordinating projects around the retreat, leading excursions, or lending a helping hand wherever it's needed, his dedication and positive spirit are an essential part of our community.
Having grown up surrounded by the Amazon, Jino has developed a deep appreciation for its wildlife, landscapes, and traditions. As an experienced jungle guide, he loves introducing guests to the remarkable plants and animals that make this rainforest unlike anywhere else on Earth. His passion for birdlife is especially impressive—as an active member of the local birdwatching community, he can often identify a bird simply by hearing its song.
Above all, Jino is known for his kindness, reliability, and genuine hospitality. No matter what you need during your stay, he is always happy to help and will go out of his way to ensure your experience in the Amazon is comfortable, memorable, and enriching.
Lady Diana ( Guardian )
Lady brings a gentle, compassionate presence to every aspect of the retreat. Known for her warmth, kindness, and attentive care, she has a remarkable ability to help guests feel comfortable, supported, and truly welcomed from the moment they arrive.
As one of our ceremony facilitators, Lady provides calm, reassuring support throughout each guest's journey. Her nurturing nature and quiet confidence create a comforting presence, especially for those experiencing ceremony for the first time. Many female guests find her empathy, understanding, and encouragement to be an invaluable source of support during their stay.
Beyond the ceremony space, Lady is also an experienced jungle and river guide who delights in sharing the beauty of the Amazon. One of her favorite adventures is searching for the playful Amazon river dolphins, and she has mastered a unique dolphin call that never fails to surprise and delight our guests.
Whether offering a listening ear, answering questions, or simply sharing a warm smile, Lady is always ready to help. Her genuine care, generosity, and joyful spirit make her an unforgettable part of the retreat experience.
Joy ( Guardian )
Joy brings nearly a decade of experience, heartfelt compassion, and unwavering dedication to every retreat. Originally from Iquitos, Peru, he has spent the past nine years working in Ayahuasca centers, supporting guests through one of the most meaningful experiences of their lives.
As one of our ceremony facilitators, Joy offers calm, attentive, and compassionate care throughout each guest's journey. He understands that the healing process can be both challenging and profoundly beautiful, and he feels deeply honored to walk alongside participants with kindness, presence, and respect. His gentle yet strong nature helps guests feel safe, supported, and cared for every step of the way.
Joy is passionate about serving as a bridge between the traditional healers and those who come seeking healing. He believes that creating a welcoming, nurturing environment allows each guest to fully embrace their experience with confidence and trust. Joy considers it a privilege to accompany others on their healing journeys and looks forward to continuing this sacred work for many years to come.
Yoko ( Chef )
Yoko is the heart of our kitchen, thoughtfully preparing every meal served throughout the retreat. With a passion for wholesome, plant-based cuisine, she transforms fresh, locally sourced ingredients into meals that are as nourishing as they are beautiful.
Her attention to detail can be seen in every dish—from the careful balance of flavors to the artistic presentation inspired by the natural beauty of the Amazon. Even the simplest ingredients become something memorable through her skill, creativity, and genuine love for cooking.
For Yoko, preparing food is an expression of hospitality and care. She believes that every meal should leave guests feeling nourished, comforted, and supported throughout their healing journey. Her cooking is a reminder that some of life's greatest comforts are found in simple, wholesome food prepared with intention and shared with love.
Her warmth and dedication ensure that every guest leaves the table feeling not only well nourished, but truly cared for.
Karen ( Media )
Karen brings together a unique blend of creativity, mindfulness, and a deep love for nature. As our yoga instructor, she guides guests through gentle practices that encourage relaxation, presence, and a deeper connection with both body and mind—beautiful complements to the retreat experience.
She is also the photographer behind many of the memories our guests take home. With a thoughtful eye and an unobtrusive approach, Karen captures the authentic moments of each retreat, preserving the beauty of the journey as it naturally unfolds.
Beyond yoga and photography, Karen has a passion for gardening and regenerative living. She lovingly cares for our gardens and helps develop our permaculture projects, nurturing the landscape that surrounds and supports our retreat.
When she isn't teaching, photographing, or tending the gardens, Karen enjoys birdwatching, hiking through the rainforest, and exploring the Amazon by bicycle. Her gentle spirit, creativity, and appreciation for nature bring warmth and inspiration to our retreat community.
Lenin ( Caretaker )
Lenin is the master craftsman behind much of the retreat you see today. Living in a nearby Amazonian village, he has played an instrumental role in building and maintaining our sanctuary, bringing exceptional skill, dedication, and pride to every project.
From the guest accommodations to the handcrafted furniture throughout the retreat, much of what surrounds you has been thoughtfully created by Lenin and his team. A gifted carpenter by trade, he is also the person we rely on for countless other roles—from construction and electrical work to plumbing, boat transportation, and the many behind-the-scenes tasks that keep the retreat running smoothly.
Known for his quiet humility, unwavering integrity, and strong work ethic, Lenin approaches everything he does with care and attention to detail. His craftsmanship reflects not only his talent, but also his deep commitment to creating a welcoming and comfortable home for every guest.
As a small expression of that care, Lenin often delights new arrivals by folding towels into beautiful animal creations for their rooms. If you discover one waiting on your bed, you'll know it was prepared with the same thoughtfulness and warmth that he brings to everything he creates.
Rusbel ( Caretaker )
Born and raised in Yanamono, a beautiful village along the majestic Amazon River, I am proud to call the Peruvian Amazon my lifelong home. Growing up immersed in this extraordinary environment shaped my deep respect for nature, my community, and the traditions that have been passed down through generations.
The values I learned from an early age—honesty, humility, hard work, and kindness—continue to guide me in both my personal life and my work. I take great pride in creating a welcoming environment where every guest feels safe, comfortable, and genuinely cared for from the moment they arrive.
As a dedicated member of our retreat team, I enjoy working alongside my colleagues to ensure each guest has a peaceful and memorable experience. Whether offering assistance, sharing a warm smile, or helping with the day-to-day needs of the retreat, it is a privilege to support those who have traveled from around the world to experience the healing spirit of the Amazon.
Alexandra ( Media )
Alexandra supports Lighthouse with business development, content, and communications. Drawing on years of experience in brand building, podcast production, and content strategy, she helps grow the retreat’s presence and share its work with the right people.
Multilingual (German, English, Spanish) and with a background in journalism and education, she brings curiosity, care, and a clear voice to the team’s online world and everyday outreach.
Arriba ( The Swimming Stick Hunter)
Every retreat has someone who brings a smile to everyone's face, and for us, that's Arriba. This lovable señorita is full of personality and has a passion for life's simple joys—good food, plenty of affection, swimming in the river, and, above all else, chasing a stick. If someone is willing to keep throwing it, she'll happily play for hours (Joshua knows this better than anyone!).
Alongside her furry companions, Arriba is part of the welcoming spirit of our retreat. Whether greeting guests with a wagging tail, joining a walk around the grounds, or simply finding the perfect sunny spot to relax, she has a wonderful way of making everyone feel at home.
Together with our family of dogs and cats, Arriba helps watch over the retreat and fills it with warmth, companionship, and the joyful energy that makes our sanctuary feel like home.